England’s preparations for the second Test against New Zealand have suffered another setback, with Ollie Robinson set to undergo precautionary scans after experiencing knee soreness during training. The development comes at a time when the hosts are already dealing with disruptions, having lost Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson due to disciplinary issues ahead of the Oval Test starting on June 17.
Robinson’s fitness concern could not have come at a worse time for England. The Sussex seamer had only just forced his way back into the Test setup after a two-year absence and made an immediate impact in the opening Test at Lord’s. Leading England’s pace attack, Robinson delivered match-winning figures of 7 for 77 and was named Player of the Match as the hosts secured a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
With uncertainty surrounding Robinson, England have drafted uncapped Sussex fast bowler Henry Crocombe into the squad as cover. While Robinson remains part of the group for now, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that he would undergo scans to assess the extent of the problem.
England feel the heat before 2nd Test
England were already short on options before Robinson’s latest setback. Gus Atkinson, who took seven wickets in the first Test, is unavailable, while Ben Stokes’ absence removes both a key bowler and the side’s leader. Robinson’s injury would’ve been the last thing Brendon McCullum wanted.
To address the shortage of pace options, England have already recalled Jofra Archer to the Test squad after his IPL commitments. Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker also remain available, but the possibility of losing Robinson would leave England with an inexperienced seam attack despite entering the match with momentum.
England’s squad for 2nd New Zealand Test
Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox (wk), Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wk), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Henry Crocombe
Henry Crocombe rewarded for strong domestic form
Crocombe’s call-up is the biggest milestone in the 24-year-old’s career. A product of Sussex’s development system, the right-arm seamer has an impressive domestic record and has emerged as one of the county circuit’s most consistent performers this season.
Henry Crocombe’s recent numbers
| Competition | Matches/Appearances | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Championship Division One 2026 | 10 innings | 21 | 28.61 |
| England Lions vs South Africa A | 1 unofficial Test | 4 | 16.25 |
Crocombe is currently representing Sussex against Glamorgan at Hove and has continued to impress, claiming 2 for 41 in the first innings. Earlier this month, he also picked up 4 for 65 while representing the England Lions against South Africa A.
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